Thailand Winter Festivals Unveiled: A Showcase of the ‘7 Wonders of Thailand’
Prime Minister and National Soft Power Strategy Committee present year-end festivities to position Thailand as a world-class event hub.
Bangkok, 29 October 2024 – Thailand’s Prime Minister, H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, together with the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, officially launched the Thailand Winter Festivals at the Government House today. Running from November through December, this celebration will highlight Thailand’s distinctive cultural and creative assets, aiming to solidify the country as a top global event destination.
Under the theme ‘7 Wonders of Thailand,’ this vibrant festival series will feature an exceptional array of events across the country. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is organising the festivals in collaboration with public and private partners to provide visitors with an unparalleled experience.
Prime Minister, H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, stated that the government is committed to making tourism as a key driver of the national economy, fostering employment, distributing income to local communities, and expanding Thai tourism into the global market with the goal of establishing Thailand as a leader in Southeast Asia.
“The government is implementing the IGNITE’s THAILAND TOURISM policy, leveraging Thailand’s cultural Soft Power for the promotion of festivals, activities, and events that are pivotal in driving sustainable economic growth and enhancing the nation’s image as a world-class festival destination,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, emphasised that Thailand is now advancing towards becoming a world-class event hub, achieved through coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with the Ministry of Culture, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and various public and private sector stakeholders.
“This collaboration seeks to elevate traditional Thai festivals to international standards, showcasing local culture to global audiences. By hosting world-class events in music, sports, and cultural festivals, the initiative aims to stimulate both domestic and international tourism, extending stays and increasing expenditure to foster economic growth,” the Minister said.
Highlights of the Thailand Winter Festivals
From November to December 2024, the Thailand Winter Festivals will offer year-end festivities across seven unique themes:
1. Loi Krathong Festival – Celebrations throughout Thailand will highlight this cherished cultural tradition, with key events at Bangkok’s Delightful Colours of the River, 13-16 November; Wat Arun’s Loi Krathong, 14-16 November; Sukhothai’s Loi Krathong and Candle Festival, 8-18 November; Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Festival, 14-17 November; Tak’s Loi Krathong Sai, 15-18 November; Samut Songkhram’s Loi Krathong Kap Kluai, 15-17 November; and Roi Et’s Somma Nam Khuen Peng Seng Prathip, 14-15 November.
2. Countdown Events – Thailand’s New Year festivities will include fireworks displays, musical performances, and traditional merit-making, with major countdowns such as Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025, 28 December – 1 January; ICONSIAM Countdown, 29-31 December; centralwOrld Countdown, 31 December; Chiang Mai Countdown, 21-31 December; Hat Yai Countdown, 31 December – 1 January, and Suphan Buri Festival, 29-31 December.
3. Sports Events – Notable athletic events include Bangsaen 42 Marathon, Chon Buri, 3 November; KORAT MARATHON, Nakhon Ratchasima, 10 November; Laguna Phuket Triathlon, 17 November; Betong 21 International Half Marathon, 23-24 November; Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok, 1 December; Hoka Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB, 5-8 December; and Chiang Mai Marathon, 22 December.
4. Cultural Events – Remarkable regional cultural festivals will be showcased, including the Surin Elephant Round-Up, 14-25 November; Sai Thai Festival, Ubon Ratchathani, 7-10 November, and Surin, 27-30 November; and Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade, 20-25 December.
5. Food Festivals – Thailand’s culinary excellence will be highlighted at events such as Food Festi ‘ver’, Bangkok, 11-15 December; Isan To The World, Khon Kaen, 26-29 December; Northern Coffee Gathering 2024, Chiang Mai, 29 November – 1 December; and Hidden Gem Food Festival, Bangkok, 11-15 December.
6. Music Festivals – Music festivals nationwide include Wonderfruit, Chon Buri, 12-16 December, and Rolling Loud Thailand, Pattaya, 22-24 November, as well as Chiang Mai Fest, Big Mountain in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Maho Rasop International Independent Music Festival in Pathum Thani.
7. Lighting & Illumination Festivals – Thailand’s iconic landmarks will feature light displays, with events including Awakening Bangkok, 8-17 November; Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 in Bangkok, 16 November – 15 December; Pattaya International Fireworks Festival, 29-30 November; and Night at the Museum Festivals 2024 in Bangkok, 1-31 December.
TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said “The Thai government and the National Soft Power Strategy Committee anticipate that the Thailand Winter Festivals will foster a joyful holiday atmosphere, drawing international tourists and enhancing Thailand’s standing as a world-class destination known for its rich cultural experiences and festive charm.”
